Ghana moves toward formal BRICS membership application

Wednesday 07 - 23:30

By: Azzat Manal

Ghana moves toward formal BRICS membership application

Ghana is preparing to formally apply for membership of the BRICS group, marking a potential shift in the West African country’s approach to international economic partnerships and cooperation with emerging economies.

Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced on Wednesday that the government of President John Dramani Mahama had approved the decision to submit an official application. Ghanaian authorities are now working on the formal request and hope to secure the backing of existing BRICS members.

Ablakwa said Ghana had already approached India for assistance with the membership process. Accra sees closer engagement with BRICS countries as an opportunity to diversify its international partnerships and expand avenues for economic development.

The government also expects stronger relations with BRICS economies to create opportunities for investment and industrialisation. Ghana has been seeking to strengthen domestic production and attract capital into sectors capable of generating jobs and supporting long-term economic growth.

The foreign minister stressed, however, that joining BRICS would not mean abandoning Ghana’s traditional international partners. Instead, Accra views potential membership as an additional platform for cooperation and a way to broaden its diplomatic and economic relationships.

Ghana’s interest comes as BRICS has expanded significantly beyond its original five members. The group initially brought together Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa before adding Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.

The expansion has increased the group’s geographical reach and strengthened its role as a platform for cooperation among major emerging economies and developing countries. BRICS discussions cover areas including trade, investment, finance, development, technology and cooperation within multilateral institutions.

For Ghana, closer ties with the bloc could provide access to new markets and investment networks while potentially strengthening economic cooperation with countries outside its traditional Western partnerships.

India is expected to play an important role in Ghana’s efforts to advance its application, given its position as one of the founding BRICS members and its longstanding economic and diplomatic ties with Accra.

Ghana has also developed economic relations with several other BRICS countries, particularly in trade, infrastructure, energy and industrial development. A formal application could therefore build on existing bilateral links rather than creating an entirely new framework for cooperation.

The move comes at a time when a growing number of developing countries are seeking greater diversification in their foreign economic relations. For governments facing challenges related to financing, investment and industrial development, engagement with emerging-market economies can offer additional channels for cooperation.

Ghana’s potential BRICS membership would also add another African voice to a group that already includes South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia. The development could further strengthen the continent’s representation within a bloc that has expanded its global economic and diplomatic footprint.

The next stage will depend on Ghana completing its application and securing support from the existing members. If successful, the move would represent a significant addition to Accra’s foreign economic strategy while allowing the country to maintain its longstanding relationships with traditional partners.